This year’s theme was all about Arthritis in Children. ‘Art in Action for Arthritis’ was launched at one of the popular shopping malls in Petaling Jaya. In conjunction with the campaign, AFM launched the AFM Junior Club. The formation of the AFM Junior Club will provide an avenue for children with arthritis to interact with each other for support and understand that they are not alone in their battle against arthritis. Membership to the club is free.

Part of the activities planned included sculpture painting for children, a coloring contest and a special choir performance by the Operafest Children’s Choir.

Mall goers were also treated on ways to manage arthritis by rheumatologists who contributed their time for a good cause.

AFM’s president Dr Chow Sook Khuan said, “’Art in Action for Arthritis’ is a 5-year initiative to educate, comfort and support people with arthritis through the use of art.  There is always an on-going need to educate the public on arthritis”.

“At the same time, we hope we are able to raise some funds during the campaign period for AFM Fund. The AFM Fund was set-up with the objective to provide financial assistance to the underprivileged people with severe arthritis who need prosthesis,” she added.  

Juvenile arthritis is persistent or recurring inflammation of the joints similar to rheumatoid arthritis but beginning before age 16 among children and teenagers. It is an uncommon disease characterized by inflammation of joints or connective tissue. The cause is still unknown. Although juvenile arthritis is not considered a hereditary disorder, hereditary factors may increase a child’s chance of developing it.

07-07-GEN-06-MY-0033-IM